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[Studies on Clostridium absonum isolates from clinical specimens]
T Masaki1, K Nagata, S Nakamura
1Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute.
Summary
Clostridium absonum spores exhibit moderate heat resistance, differing biochemically from Clostridium perfringens. While diagnostic kits aid differentiation, they do not fully identify C. absonum.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Context:
- Clostridium absonum is a bacterium found in clinical specimens.
- Accurate identification and differentiation from related species like Clostridium perfringens are crucial for clinical and research purposes.
Purpose:
- To characterize the heat resistance of Clostridium absonum spores.
- To delineate biochemical properties that distinguish C. absonum from C. perfringens.
- To evaluate the efficacy of commercial identification kits for C. absonum.
Summary:
- Clostridium absonum isolates showed heat resistance at 70°C for 10 minutes, with the type strain resistant at 85°C for 10 minutes, indicating lower resistance than Clostridium perfringens.
- Biochemical tests revealed differences in trehalose, melibiose, and raffinose fermentation, and esculin and starch hydrolysis between C. absonum and C. perfringens.
- Lecithinase from C. absonum was not fully neutralized by anti-Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin antiserum.
- Both RapID ANA and ANIDENT kits effectively differentiated C. absonum from C. perfringens but were insufficient for definitive C. absonum identification.
Impact:
- Provides key data on Clostridium absonum spore heat resistance and biochemical markers for differentiation.
- Highlights limitations of current commercial kits in identifying Clostridium absonum, suggesting a need for improved diagnostic tools.